Local gay bars
When it comes to gender non-conforming nightlife options in Los Angeles, there’s lots to choose from—and not just in rainbow-dipped West Hollywood, home to countless queer bars. To help you pick the best spots for dancing, boozing, flirting and cruising in Hollywood, Silver Lake and beyond, inspect out this list of our favorite queer bars and clubs in L.A.—there are even Pasadena, Venice and Valley options, for those sick of the party-hearty WeHo scene. Now get out there, tiger.
May 2025: Just in second for WeHo Pride, I’ve updated our guide to the city’s best same-sex attracted bars. This list removes St. Felix, Stache and Redline, all of which have unfortunately closed, as well as the Ruby Fruit (which has recently been revamped to a neighborhood grill) and Revolver Video Bar. The newest addition is Kiso, a welcome entrant to Downtown’s queer nightlife scene.Time Out has also instituted a sitewide change in review policies. All food and drink venues included in guides now have actor ratings, with five stars corresponding to “amazing,” four to “great” and three to “good,” and we’ve also standardized how most listings are struc Reggie Chrishon says after his favorite gay bar closed 20 years ago, he prayed — literally prayed — to one time walk back into that familiar welcoming place at 107 West 4th Highway in Downtown LA. The Alabama native moved to Southern California more than 30 years ago. Help then, Chrishon was closeted, and happened upon the watering hole by accident. “I was wrestling with my desire in men,” Chrishon explains. “Because [of] my Christian upbringing, I was told it was not the right thing to do, but I was doing it anyway on the side.” Score was the first gay block Chrishon ever stepped foot into: “I used to move through by this area across the avenue, and you’d notify Score a gentleman's club. So I thought it was a strip club. I did not think it was a gay bar.” He continues, “The place would be packed, but as soon as I walked in and heard the Latin song and the crowd, I felt prefer I was at home.” This winter, Crishon’s prayers for that homey place on this familiar road were answered. Kiso, Downtown LA’s newest queer bar, opened in December as part of a renaissance of queer spaces in the urban core. It’s the brainchild of Downtown LA l If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less. West Hollywood as a nucleus for LGBTQ+ culture in Southern California is practically set in stone. The buzzing nightclubs filled with thumpy house music, packed bars and other flashy WeHo attractions have drawn thousands of people over the years, to visit and survive . It's impossible to overstate its consequence on the customs. But the capital wasn’t always complete of rainbows. Let's see how it transformed over the years. During the Prohibition era, speakeasies became a popular route for gay-coded entertainment. During the “Pansy Craze” between the adv 1920s and initial 1930s, drag shows (before they had that name) were gaining underground popularity. Jimmy’s Backyard, one of Hollywood’s first openly gay bars that opened on New Year’s Eve in 1929, along with B.B.B.’s Cellar, were popular destinations for LGBTQ+ people and the Hollywood famous. Listen: When LA's Gays Day or night, Palm Springs has an incredibly buzzy variety of gay bars and clubs. And while you’ll find that most places in town are gay friendly, these are the cocktail bars and clubs that specifically cater to our society. Read on, and don’t hesitate to ask the front desk for advice. We’re always entire of opinions! If you prefer to be in the heart of the action, take a quick Lyft ride head to the stretch of Arenas Route between Indian Canyon and Calle Encilia. From leather to showtunes (and lots in between), you’re bound to find a homosexual bar or club where you’ll feel at home. Or appetite the rainbow and try them all! Dick’s On Arenas Chil
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Bars and Clubs in the Arenas District
301 E Arenas Road
This small men’s watering hole with a “light” Levi/Leather vibe is a great place to grab a cold cocktail and chat with locals and tourists alike. No matter the time of day, the outdoor patio space is prime valid estate for people watching and socializing on Arenas. Check their website for daily drink specials, theme nights and special events. (Formerly The Eagle 501.)
Weekly highlights:
Sundays - Church Lady’s Sunday Service starting at 6am